Wet field forces Saints to practice in Superdome again

NEW ORLEANS - For the second straight day, the New Orleans Saints were forced to take an unexpected road trip.

Although the skies were clear in Thibodaux Tuesday, the Saints decided not to take any chances and traveled to the Louisiana Superdome for practice.

Because of the 1 1/2-hour bus ride, the start of the practice was delayed more than an hour.

Monday the Saints were forced to move practice because more than 4 inches of rain fell in the Thibodaux area. During previous days of inclement weather, the team held a walk through in Stopher Gym.

Defensive lineman La'Roi Glover said some of the players were not too happy about moving practice to New Orleans.

"We've been dealing with adversity since I've been in New Orleans," he said. "The weather is kind of crazy now, but we can't let it become a distraction."

Coach Jim Haslett was also a bit upset at the decision to move practice to the Superdome for the second straight day.

"I'll let you guys handle that," Haslett said when asked about moving practice to the Superdome. "You know how I feel."

Previously, Haslett said an indoor practice facility would be beneficial because the team would not have to alter its schedule on rainy days.

He added that players are ready to do whatever it takes to find a facility to practice in - even it means driving for five hours.

Before a decision was made to move practice, Saints and Nicholls State University officials worked feverishly to dry the field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Airboats were brought in to help with the process.

However, Haslett said the field was still too saturated, so the practice was moved to New Orleans.

Glover said when a practice is moved to the Superdome, players need to be aware of possible injuries because of the Astroturf.

"Practicing on turf can be rough on the body at times, but you got to do what you got to do," he said.

Although some players were upset about the change in venue, defensive tackle Norman Hand took it all in stride.

"Coach said we will face some type of adversity this year, so I guess this in one of them," he said. "I doesn't matter where we practice at. We will go out and practice regardless if it's at Nicholls, the Superdome or wherever."

The Saints received some good news as three players - tight end Cam Cleeland, defensive end Willie Whitehead and linebacker Brian Williams - returned to practice after missing time with injuries.

Haslett said there is a good chance all three will see action in Saturday's game.

Fullback Terrelle Smith also showed signs at Tuesday's practice that he is back to full speed.

Last season, Smith injured his back in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, and underwent off-season surgery.

Haslett said he was pleased to see the second-year fullback playing at full strength.

"He's taking his normal reps, and he's back in there working with the first group," Haslett said.

"I know he's fine because there was a play when Kyle Turley came flying around and hit him right in the back. I figured that if he survived that he'll be fine."

In Tuesday's practice, the Saints started off in full pads and showed some intensity.The defensive line also appeared to reassert itself with a strong showing on Tuesday. Hand said the defensive line needs a good showing against the Dallas Cowboys to regain some confidence. In the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the Saints No. 1 defense gave up two touchdowns.

"I apologize to the Saints fans for not coming out there playing Saints football (Saturday)," he said. "Everybody has high hopes on us, and we also have those high hopes."

Midway through the practice, the Saints coaches decided to allow the players to remove their shoulder pads.

The play of the day came when quarterback Aaron Brooks tossed a lateral to wide receiver Robert Wilson, who fired the ball downfield to a wide-open Willie Jackson for a touchdown.

Haslett said that play only proved the dedication and effort Jackson has shown throughout training camp.

"He goes out there everyday and works hard," he said. "You can't ask much more from Willie. We just have to get the other guys going."